Haut-fourneau métallurgique mines de Banca, Banca

The exploitation of the copper mines of Banca goes back at least to the Antiquity. The activity was interrupted for a long time and reached its peak in the 18th century. The final stop came at the beginning of the 20th century. This ancient industrial site, where various metallurgical activities took place, is often referred to as the "Banca forges" or, improperly, as the "Banca foundry". In the 18th century, the site was also known as the "Baïgorry mines" or "Baïgorry copper foundry".